“They Are Us”: Woman posts after Pahalgam Terror Attack
“It could have been us,” writes Malavika Soman, whose family had sat at the same spot in Pahalgam just days before the attack that killed 26.
New Delhi, 24 April 2025
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Just 24 days before a brutal terrorist attack shattered the serenity of Pahalgam in Kashmir, Malavika Soman was celebrating her 30th birthday with her family at the very spot that would soon turn into a site of horror. The attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, has left the entire nation in mourning and reflection.
Yet even amidst this tragedy, Malavika’s memories of Kashmir are not defined by fear, but by the warmth and kindness of its people. She has posted video of her family on the same spot with the caption:
“Just 24 days ago, on my 30th birthday, my family and I were sitting in this very spot in Pahalgam, Kashmir — the same place where the terrorist attack happened yesterday.
source: instagram @malavika_soman
It’s chilling to think it could have been us among the 26 innocent lives lost. They are us! Just like us!
But let me tell you this — the people of Kashmir are some of the kindest and most warm-hearted souls I’ve ever met. Their love, care, and hospitality are unmatched. No other place has made us feel so welcomed.
Over the past few years, tourism has brought hope to Kashmir. It’s helping the locals build better lives. But terrorism wants to snatch that away — to keep them struggling, to create hate, to push them into the darkness again.
We won’t let that happen. We stand with Kashmir. We stand against terrorism.
We will speak up. We will pay back — with unity, peace, and strength.”
Her words aren’t hers alone. They echo the sentiment of millions across India, travelers, families, and everyday citizens, all grappling with the same thought: It could have been us.
Also read: 5 Reasons Pahalgam Became Terror Target Amid Tourist Surges
Kashmir has experienced a significant surge in tourism in recent years, reflecting a period of relative stability and renewed national interest in the region’s natural beauty. According to official data from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Tourism:
• In 2022, approximately 2.67 million tourists visited Kashmir.
• In 2023, the number rose to around 2.71 million visitors.
• In 2024, tourist arrivals peaked at nearly 3 million, marking a record high for the region.
This steady growth has been a lifeline for the local economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods — from hotel owners and tour operators to artisans and taxi drivers. Tourism has not only brought income but also dignity and connection. It has helped reshape the image of Kashmir, away from conflict, toward warmth and welcome.
But as fear tries to return, so does resolve. A growing chorus of voices across India is saying: we will not let terror win. We will not abandon Kashmir. We will not forget the smiles, the shared meals, the stories, and the people who welcomed us like family.
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